Figure 1: Scanning electron micrograph of diatomaceous sediment.
From: Windblown Pliocene diatoms and East Antarctic Ice Sheet retreat
Electron micrograph of Southern Ocean diatomaceous sediment, presented air-dried without any cleaning or processing, illustrating very high surface area of unconsolidated diatomite. Similar material is likely to have accumulated in the Wilkes and Aurora basins following retreat of ice. Once isostatically emerged and exposed they would be highly susceptible to wind erosion. Scale bar, 50 μm.
